Wizards Talk

The Wizards/Bullets franchise lost its greatest champion in 2020, the late Wes Unseld. As NBC Sports Washington celebrates Black History Month Chris Miller spoke to his son, Nuggets assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr, about his dad's legacy on and off the court in Washington, what it was like for his dad growing up in Louisville at the same time as Muhammad Ali, and being the son of an NBA legend. Presented by Comcast Business.

In this special "Headstrong" edition of Wizards Talk, Ted Leonsis joins Chris Miller for an in-depth interview about the issues of mental health and suicide awareness in light of the current environment we're all living in, particularly with today's athletes and those who play for his teams. For more of NBC Sports Washington's series on men's and mental health, "Headstrong", go to nbcsportswashington.com/headstrong.

In a shocking trade, John Wall is on his way to Houston after 10 years in Washington DC, traded to the Rockets for Russell Westrook. Our Wizards team of insiders and analysts break down the deal from both sides - Chris Miller, Wes Hall, Glenn Consor, Jason Smith and Jimmy Patsos - what John meant to the Wizards on and off the court, and what Westbrook will do for the Wizards franchise.

Chris Miller is joined by a whole crew to talk about these crazy conference finals we have now going on in the NBA and everything else happening in this insane league they cover. Wes Hall, Quinton Mayo, Chase Hughes and NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh discuss the selection of Wizards wing Rui Hachimura onto the All-Rookie 2nd team and how his season played out compared to expectations, how the Heat ended up in these Eastern Conference Finals as well as the tragedy of "Wayoff P" and what happened to the Clippers after being up 3-1Following the discussion the crew looks to the coaching carousel once again and decide who will fill each vacancy between the Rockets, 76ers, Pelicans, Pacers, Thunder and Bulls.

Chris Miller is joined by a great crew for this episode, Quinton Mayo, Wes Hall and former Wizards Forward Drew Gooden as they got together to talk about some of the major news and notes around the NBA. The guys got into who has the edge down in Orlando so far, Q's push to make #GiannistoDC happen, who is going to fill out all these coaching vacancies around the league, how amazing LeBron James has been and finally Drew gives his all-time "Jankiest" teammates he has ever had.Drew also had quite the hot take on where Giannis might actually end up this off season if a certain LA team fails to win a title, could we be in line for another super team? Listen to find out!

Chris Miller is joined by former Wizards and Georgetown Hoya Jeff Green to celebrate the life of John Thompson Jr. who was not just as a coach or mentor to Jeff, but a friend. The two longtime friends have a great discussion about what Coach Thompson meant to both of them as a father figure and an icon in the community.You will also hear stories from Jeff about the first time he met Coach Thompson, introducing him to his wife and how much that meant to him plus how he came to develop such a strong bond with him over his time in the NBA. After the discussion the Rockets veteran gets into how life has been in the bubble for him and what it has been like to play in Houston's small ball system.

Chris Miller brought on special guest NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh to break down some of the notable things going on around the league. They get into what they think of the Steve Nash hire by the Brooklyn Nets and what it does for African American head coaches on the coaching market, what to make of the Bucks and Raptors starting down 0-2 and if the Wizards have trade options with the 9th overall pick in this years draft. Plus Tom gives some insight into what Minnesota might be doing with the 1st overall selection!

Chris Miller is joined by a panel of guests to reflect on the passing of legendary Georgetown head coach John Thompson Jr. Guests include Thompson's former radio co-host Al Koken, DeMatha basketball head coach Mike Jones, Bullets/Wizards legend Phil Chenier, legendary coach Jimmy Patsos and NBC Sports Washington's Wes Hall.The guys discuss what Coach Thompson meant to each one of their lives, give stories of the first time they met him and what a great man he was. The crew also gets into what John Thompson II meant not only to the Georgetown community but to basketball players everywhere.

As the nation reels again from yet another shooting of an unarmed African-American man, the NBA players still playing in Orlando made another statement -- by choosing not to play. Chris Miller, Chase Hughes, Wes Hall and Quinton Mayo start this podcast by sharing their thoughts on the latest act of violence - and how the NBA continues to lead the sports world in civil protest.When the discussion turns to basketball, the guys discuss Chase's story about potential suitors this off-season for Davis Bertans - and whether or not the Wizards should re-sign the sharp shooter.From there, the talk turns to the Wizards biggest needs heading into free agency, and of course, the NBA Draft -- as several players have already caught the eye of the Wizards Talk Podcast crew.. Chase somehow even manages to tell a funny joke... No, really. It's ACTUALLY funny.

In the NBA Draft Lottery the Wizards did not move up any but also didn't move back any, coming in the most likely scenario for the Wizards was that they would select 9th, and that is just what happened. Chris Miller, Jimmy Patsos and Quinton Mayo got together to react to the Wizards draft lottery selection, Q came into the night quite optimistic about Washington's chances of being in the top 4 so his night was quickly ruined. Wizards GM Tommy Shepard was than able to jump on with the guys as he discussed some potential off-season options he is looking at, what position he is looking to address in the draft and what input do John and Brad have when it comes to deciding their next teammate. That and much more as the Wizards off-season is just getting started!

This Podcast has a little of everything... Chris Miller, Quinton Mayo, Wes Hall and Jimmy Patsos start off by giving their final assessment of the 2019-2020 season and who impressed the most in the Orlando Bubble.From there, the focus turns towards the future. The Wizards have the 9th best odds in Thursday's NBA Draft Lottery to land the top pick, but a 20% chance to jump into the Top 4. Which prospects fit the team for next season? If you want some good comparisons between the top picks and Christmas gifts, stay tuned...Outside of the top names in this year's draft, you'll get the lowdown on some of the other intriguing prospects - including one with local ties.And --- just when you think the pod is wrapping up, Chris shares his most famous celebrity sighting story (thanks to Jimmy's musical inspiration). And, in what could be the biggest surprise in a year full of surprises, Quinton issues a heartfelt apology to the NBA player he dislikes the most...

After 7 tough losses in Orlando, the Wizards finally have a reason to hold their heads high. The Celtics didn't play their big names, but a win's a win.Chris Miller, Wes Hall and Quinton Mayo look back at the 96-90 win, and wonder if this can carry-over into next season.Plus, it's never too early to talk about the future - especially with the NBA Draft Lottery right around the corner. The Wizards could be in position to draft a top prospect - if the ping pong balls bounce their way.The guys also talk about the biggest needs for next season and how the young Wizards fit the overall plan with John Wall and Bradley Beal returning to action.We'll also bring you Chris' interview with Scott Brooks from Wizards Postgame Live - as the head coach stopped by the show to recap the Restart - and the season as a whole.

3 minutes into Game 6 of the NBA Restart in Orlando, the Wizards found themselves in a 10-0 hole... Not exactly the formula to get your first win of the Restart..Chris Paul 's veteran leadership, along with a strong performance from his teammates led to a 121-103 win over Washington...Still, Chris Miller. Quinton Mayo and Jimmy Patsos find a few bright spots --- including the play of Isaac Bonga, who continues to show flashes. And Jerome Robinson continued his good play of late.We'll also bring you the interview Chris had with Natasha Cloud from Wizards Pregame Live. The Mystics guard tells us why she decided to sit out the WNBA season to focus on important societal issues, and why she's actively involved in the When We All Vote campaign.We close out the Podcast with a great idea from Jimmy. The league announced its Awards finalist a few days ago... How about Bubble Awards ---and your MVP is the most unlikely of players...

Halfway through the 8 game NBA Restart schedule, the short-handed Wizards are still looking for their first win. But there's plenty of good to build on, even in a 107-98 loss to the 76ers. Thomas Bryant, Jerome Robinson and Troy Brown Jr continued their strong showings of late. And that provides the first debate between Chris Miller, Quinton Mayo and Chase Hughes in this podcast: Who's been the Most Improved Player for the Wizards in Orlando.You'll also hear Chris' interview with Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard from Wizards Postgame Live. You'll hear his assessment of the team so far - and what he hopes to see the rest of the way.

Sunday's contest against Nets was as close to a "must-win" as you could get for the Wizards. But, career highs in points and rebounds by Thomas Bryant, and a stat stuffing performance from Troy Brown wasn't enough, as the Wizards fell short. A 118-110 loss drops them to 0-2 in the NBA's restart, with 6 games remaining on the scheduleChris, Wes Hall and Quinton Mayo breakdown the highs and lows of the game - including the key to getting Rui Hachimura going again after a quiet game against Brooklyn. And despite playing one of the East's best on the 2nd half of a back to back, you'll hear why a win against the Pacers isn't out of the question

Chris Miller, Wes Hall and Quinton Mayo give their takeaways from Washington's 125-112 loss to Phoenix in the Orlando opener for both teams. There was some good (Jerome Robinson, Rui Hachimura) and bad (turnovers, fouls) to go around. All gets discussed here.And with the loss, and only 7 games remaining, is it too early to call the next game against the Nets a must win?There's also a peak into the future, when John Wall and Bradley Beal return to the court next season. And let's just say one of the pod-guys is worried - and it has nothing to do with health.You'll also get the early skinny on some of the early action down in the Bubble - with impressive performances by the 2 likely contenders for this year's MVP Award.

After a 4+ month layoff, the NBA is finally about to tip off again in Orlando. In the latest Wizards Talk podcast, Chris Miller is joined by Chase Hughes, Wes Hall, Quinton Mayo and special guest --- NBCSW Wizards analyst Drew Gooden. Just about every topic is in play --- their takeaways from Washington's 3 scrimmages, to which Wizard has the most to gain in these 8 games, and the biggest positives the Wizards stand to gain from competing. You'll even find out when Drew Gooden realized it was time to "come home". And if you want to hear some passion, wait until the crew starts discussing some of the early ballots that failed to place Bradley Beal on an all-NBA team...

Chris is joined by 2 very different guests in this podcast. To begin, Dr. Bryan Thomas Murtaugh from MedStar Health joins Chris to discuss how things are faring in the Orlando bubble from a medical standpoint. So far, the NBA has remained unscathed during its restart of the season. Dr. Martaugh shares what the Wizards medical staff is doing to ensure that moving forward.Chris' 2nd guest is Wes Unseld Jr. He's currently an assistant on the Denver Nuggets coaching staff, but of course, he has ties to the Wizards. In this conversation, he reflects on the life of his father, Bullets legend Wes Unseld, who passed away back in June.

The Wizards aren't the only basketball players getting ready. The World Champion Washington Mystics begin defense of their WNBA title this weekend.Chris is joined by the voice of the Mystics, Meghan McPeak; Mystics color analyst Christy Winters-Scott; and nbcsportswashington.com writer Tyler Byrum to talk about the upcoming season.Repeating will be a challenge given all the circumstances involving COVID-19, but there's a great opportunity for a few players to take more leading roles.The crew also breakdown the favorites to win this year's crown - and talk about how the WNBA continues to be at the forefront when addressing social injustice.

Chris Miller has the whole crew with him for this edition of the podcast all here to look ahead to the NBA restart down in Orlando as it inches closer and closer, joining Chris is Chase Hughes, Wes Hall, Quinton Mayo and NBC NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh. Before the real basketball talk began Chris had to let the people know what "coming home" was and how a certain NBA superstar probably needs to do so. The crew gives out their sleeper picks to win the championship, MVP, and whether or not Rui Hachimura is ready to take the reins down in Orlando,

Chis Miller is joined by 3 prominent local sports figures: DC United Goalkeeper Bill Hamid, Wizards Guard Ish Smith and former Washington Football team Defensive Lineman Renaldo Wynn.The American way of life changed on May 25 with the murder of George Floyd. Since then, we've seen people across the country protesting and bringing to light the social injustices that exist - particularly in communities of color. Athletes have taken up the cause as well - with many using their platforms to help push for substantive change.This podcast is the second in a series of conversations with sports figures who have ties to the DMV.You can watch video from the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s59bBYbInE&feature=youtu.beAnd be sure to check out the entire Race In America series at https://www.nbcsportswashington.com

With less than 3 weeks before the NBA season resumes, we go inside the Orlando Bubble, as Chris is joined by Moe Wagner. Wagner gives us a sample of what life is like as he and the rest of the team prepare for the final 8 games of the season. How's the food? Has he taken a charge yet? Does he already miss being in DC?The two also discuss current events as well - Wagner had been in town since the COVID-19 stoppage. He witnessed first hand the protests in Washington, and took part in the Juneteenth march with several of his teammates. He also shares why he's choosing to put a message on the back of his uniform instead of his name.

Chris is joined by Nets sideline reporter Michael Grady to talk about the NBA restart in Orlando. Both Brooklyn and Washington will be fighting for the final 2 playoff spots along with Orlando once the season begins again. The Wizards face the Nets in Washington's 2nd game of the restartThe two friends talk about the Nets chances and the vibe in the Nets locker room knowing they could become a title contender in 2021 with the return of Kevin Durant. Plus, Michael was able to be a part of the protests in Brooklyn following the tragic murder of George Floyd, and he took some breathtaking pictures documenting the events.

The D.C. sports landscape has been full of breaking news in the last few weeks and the hits keep on coming... Bradley Beal announced he will sit out the NBA restart to the season in Orlando due to a shoulder injury.Chris is joined by the usual gang of Chase Hughes, Wes Hall and Quinton Mayo to discuss this new look Wizards team now without their two leading scorers. Do the Wizards still have a chance to make it into the playoffs? Does it even matter as long as the young guys get some run? Plus, who will be the sleeper team to come out of this Disney World bubble? Listen to hear the answers to all these questions and more!

Chis Miller is joined by 3 prominent local sports figures: Mystics guard Natasha Cloud, Wizards center Ian Mahinmi and University of Maryland Head Football Coach Mike Locksley. The American way of life changed on May 25 with the murder of George Floyd. Since then, we've seen people across the country protesting and bringing to light the social injustices that exist - particularly in communities of color. Athletes have taken up the cause as well - with many using their platforms to help push for substantive change.This podcast is a first in a series of conversations with sports figures who have ties to the DMV. In this episode, Cloud shares the reasons why she's giving up the 2020 season to focus on enacting social change; Mahimni talks about the lasting impact of Floyd's murder and how the NBA will continue the movement, and Locksley reveals how he's using this as a teaching moment for his players.

We're one month away from the return of NBA basketball and a week before the Wizards head to Orlando to get ready. Head Coach Scott Brooks and GM Tommy Sheppard addressed the media - so it's natural we get the biggest takeaways from our Wizards crew.Chris Miller, Chase Hughes, Quinton Mayo and Wes Hall give their thoughts - and dive deeper into what we can expect in the final 8 games, and why talk of the playoffs isn't as far fetched as it may seem - especially with cases of COVID-19 spiking in Florida.And if you've ever wondered what "leadership face" is, you'll want to hear Quinton's explanation...

After weeks of waiting...and waiting... AND WAITING, we finally have details on the Wizards schedule when the NBA season resumes in late July. Chris Miller, Chase Hughes, Quinton Mayo and Wes Hall breakdown the games and share which ones will make or break the Wizards push towards the playoffs. Plus, with a spike in COVID-19 cases in Florida, how concerned are they about players safety. Finally, the quartet discuss how the team will manage Bradley Beal's minutes, and what should we expect from rookie Rui Hachimura.

Chris is joined by former Bullets/Wizards guard Tim Legler as they tell stories of times with Wes Unseld, and winning the 1996 3-Point Contest. Legs also gives his opinion of what the Wizards might look like next year with both Beal and Wall healthy and insight into who has the best chance to come out of the tournament in Orlando!

Chris is joined by Chase Hughes, Quinton Mayo and former Wizards Center Jason Smith to discuss Davis Bertans decision not to go down to Orlando with the Wizards as they fight for that final playoff spot. The guys discuss if they are surprised by the decision - and if they blame him for making that choice with a potential lucrative contract looming in Free Agency. They also discuss if they'd make the same choice given the health concerns... AND --- another conversation about whether this season will be marred by the dreaded ASTERISK...

Chris Miller is joined by two special guests as we remember the legendary Maryland basketball phenom Len Bias. This week marks the 34th anniversary of Bias' death - an event that still resonates throughout the DMV. Tony Massenburg and Walt Williams share their stories about how Bias impacted their lives and careers.

Chris is joined by former Wizards Forward and NBCSW Color Analyst Caron Butler. The first part of the podcast is an honest conversation about the George Floyd murder and the protests that have followed. But there's plenty of NBA talk as well --- including how the NBA will look in its return and some concerns he'd have as a player dealing with the lingering COVID-19 situation. There's also high praise for Wizards guard Bradley Beal, as he pushes for all-NBA honors. Butler also talks about his relationship with Kobe Bryant and the legacy he carries on in Kobe's memory.

Chris Miller is joined by Wizards Forward Isaac Bonga. The 2nd year player has proven to be a versatile piece on the court for the Wizards, and he carries that away from hoops too - from his Rubik's cube prowess, to teaching himself to play the piano during the break. Bonga also explains why he's helping residents in Ward 8 during these tough times of COVID-19, and he also shares how he and his teammates decided to address the George Floyd killing and aftermath.

It's official... The National Basketball Association will return - with 22 teams fighting for 16 playoff spots. And the Wizards are one of the teams with a chance. Chris, Quinton, Chase Hughes and Drew Gooden talk about what it all means --- Are they happy the Wizards get to continue the season with a chance at the postseason? Are the Bucks and Lakers still the favorites? And should there be an asterisk when we look back at 2019-2020. Listen and find out!!

A sad day for DC Sports with the news of the passing of Wes Unseld, regarded by many as the greatest player in Wizards franchise history. The Hall of Famer spent his entire career with the Baltimore/Washington Bullets, leading them to their only NBA title in 1978. Chris Miller catches up with 2 of his teammates - Phil Chenier and Bobby Dandridge for their thoughts on the man who was a leader on and off the court.

Chris Miller, Wes Hall and Quinton Mayo discuss the Wizards statement about the George Floyd protests and express the effects these injustices have had on their on lives. The crew also looks into the Wizards making a possible playoff run, whether the risk is worth the reward or if they even have a chance. Plus Chris tells a story from the new Sports Uncovered Podcast: "I'm Back" that features MJ's brief "stint " with Golden State during his baseball hiatus.

Chris has put together a really special episode focused on giving back to the community. First up - Candyce Jones, who is the director of events for the John Wall Family Foundation. She explains how John is once again spearheading a campaign to help out DC's Ward 8 community. Then Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks jumps on to give Chris a preview of what the team will look like moving forward - and also explains the story behind his haircut for a cause.

Chris and Q are joined by former Washington Post Wizards beat reporter Steve Wyche to discuss Michael Jordan's real Last Dance - the two seasons he suited up for the Wizards, which ended his Hall of Fame career. Wyche discusses the highs and lows of Jordan's time in DC -- from his time in the front office, to on the court, to his memorable departure.

Chris is joined three of P.G. County's greatest, former NBA guard DerMarr Johnson, Dematha High School Basketball Coach Mike Jones and Keith Stevens the CEO of Team Takeover. The four of them give their opinion of who the best players to come out of P.G. County are and tell us the basketball players that influenced their games the most growing up!

Chris is joined by NBA Executive Rod Thorn and Quinton Mayo to dissect the latest two episodes of "The Last Dance". Thorn was General Manager of the Bulls in 1984 when Michael Jordan was picked 3rd overall in the NBA Draft. Thorn shares stories of his days scouting Jordan at the University of North Carolina and tells us when he realized MJ was a can't miss, generational talent. He also reveals how he thinks Jordan would fare in today's game, and whether he would have broken up the Bulls after their 6th Championship in 1998.

Chris is joined by two local legends, NBA veterans Quinn Cook and Jeff Green to discuss their journey's through Prince Georges ("P.G.") County, Maryland. The episode comes prior to Showtime's release of "Basketball County: In The Water", a documentary about the incredible talent that comes out of P.G. County, in which Green and Cook are both featured.

Chris is joined by NBA Legend Phil Chenier, Wes Hall, and Quinton Mayo to dissect the latest two episodes of "The Last Dance". Phil gives his first hand account of the infamous LaBradford Smith game and what words were really exchanged between the two, plus much more!

As we wait for what will happen to this current season, Chris & Chase Hughes take this opportunity to look at what next season might have in store for Washington. Davis Bertans is an impending Free Agent and of course, John Wall is expected to make his return to the floor.They then give a preview for the 2020 NBA Draft and what to make of the top prospects. Would LaMelo Ball be a fit with the Wizards? How much would they covet Obi Toppin?

Chris is joined by K.C. Johnson (Bulls Insider for NBC Sports Chicago, Chris Miles, and Quinton Mayo to dissect the latest two episodes of "Last Dance". K.C. covered the 1998 Bulls season and has unique perspectives on Michael Jordan. Chris Miles is a NY native and still hasn't gotten over the "Charles Smith" game.

Rod Strickland joins Chris Miller to give his perspective on what it has been like living in New York during the pandemic, making the playoffs in Washington, facing Michael Jordan's Bulls, and even some Hip Hop debates.

The Michael Jordan and '98 Bulls documentary, "The Last Dance", continued with episodes focusing on Dennis Rodman, the rivalry with the "Bad Boys", and MJ capturing his 1st title.Chris and Quinton are joined by Jimmy Patsos & Wizards guard Ish Smith to focus on what parts they enjoyed the most. Plus, Ish answers which teammate he's had who's approach to the game most closely resembles Rodman.

A pair of UNC alums, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood, share their past experiences with Michael Jordan. Like Chris, they each grew up in North Carolina watching MJ, plus early in Brendan's NBA career he was teammates with Jordan in Washington. Must listen for local basketball fans.

The Michael Jordan and 98 Bulls documentary, "The Last Dance", has arrived as the Wizards Talk crew give their impressions of the initial two episodes. Chris, Quinton, Tony Massenburg, and Drew start off with the UNC days, discuss some of the moments chronicling MJ's early seasons in Chicago, and the epic playoff performance in Boston. Plus, learning about the background and unique contractual situation for Scottie Pippen (31:35).

As the new documentary, "The Last Dance", on the 1998 Bulls & Michael Jordan is about to air on ESPN, Chris & Quinton are joined by a man who played alongside MJ (Jared Jeffries) and someone who often competed against him (Walt Williams). Jared shares great perspective on how Jordan mania continued into his Wizards days and Walt tells what it was like to face #23 in the NBA.

Chris Miller chats with Washington Mystics Head Coach Mike Thibault on how the Coronavirus has affected the Mystics and the WNBA. How the WNBA handle its virtual draft this year, their, players that he expects to take a leap this upcoming year, and discusses his time being around Michael Jordan.

Chris Miller and former Wizards color analyst Drew Gooden discuss how the pandemic is affecting the NBA and its players. Drew gives his thoughts on how some non-playoff teams can benefit from the suspended season, his plans to provide commentary to simulation a game on NBC Sports Washington, and more.

Chris Miller catches up with Troy Brown from his Las Vegas home. Troy Brown and Chris discuss how the virus has affected him and the league, what Troy is doing to stay ready for when the season resumes, Bradley Beal's hot stretch during the season, and more.